Unexpected Roles

She hated this.

Not that any of them would believe her right now.

Hated standing between her family and their Stargazer, but-

The girl needed time to process.

And for good reason.

So much happened in the time leading up to Mim draining her of her life source.

Too much.

So when she'd seen Deez winding up to run-

Saw that everyone was speaking over her-

She hadn't felt like she had much of a choice.

So here she was.

Against three of Isles most notorious VKs.

All at varying boiling points.

Her stomach twists.

Deez needed this.

Deez needed her to do this.

It was that simple.

So what if this was uncomfortable-

Terrifying.

So what if this was terrifying, her sister needed time. Something that was completely understandable with the circumstances she had woken to.

"Just stop. All of you." She repeats when Gil takes a step forward.

"Mate-"

Her eyes widen when Harry steps beside her and turns to face Uma and Gil.

Her cheeks burn as relief sweeps through her.

Thank god for her Prince.

She wasn't sure how long she would've been able to hold off the three of them on her own.

"I be ah thinkin' we be needin' a sec here too." Harry continues as he holds his hands out in front of him, as if he were attempting to pet a shark.

"What I need is ta make sure my Treasure's okay-"

She closes her fists at her side, "that isn't fair, my Lion."

"Aye," one arm wraps around her shoulder, "be thinkin' o' it like this, mate. We be havin' days ta think through what be happenin'. She just be ah wakin' up."

Gil closes his mouth as she watches the fight drain from him, "but-"

"I know-" Uma rests her head against Gil's side, "but, you felt the way she was tensing. If she'd just blindly run-" the color drains from Uma's already pale face.

"Shit!" Gil stands up straighter.

"Stop, please, both of you. Our Stargazer is safe and in good company."

"Is that where the Wee Demon be ah runnin'?"

She nods, "I was hoping it might help put everyone at ease."

Uma crosses her arms over her chest, "it does, a little. But, if we're giving her a moment to herself, then I want to know what the fuck is going on with my uncle."

She sighs as she looks in the direction of the pool where she'd left the god to speak with Yensid, "I have no doubt he is asking himself a similar question."

Uma's eyes flutter as she scoffs.

"But, if you'd like, I can give you some speculation?"

"I want to know what he wants from my Baby Girl."

"From what I understand, something that he's going to have to work hard for, absolution."

"Absolution?" Harry's nose crinkles.

She shifts as she looks away, "oh dear. How to…" She bites her lip, "the Lord of Death, god he may be, isn't without his own failings, and though undoubtedly an ass in many regards, is at a crossroads."

"He wants her to pretend he hasn't been an absolutely fucking selfish prick bent on breaking or killing her her whole life, so he can use her without being the villain." Uma states with a roll of her eyes.

She sighs, "I understand it looks that way, but the situation is more nuanced and far more complex than what you believe, though, that being said, he has given you very little to believe otherwise, so I understand your concerns."

Harry takes a deep breath beside her, "Love, I, I know ya been ah talkin' with 'im an wantin' ta see the best. But he be ah havin' ah pattern o' doin' this ta our girl."

She closes her eyes as she takes a deep breath, "I know." She sighs, "I know. I am not defending his past, nor am I so naive to believe it is as simple as lighting a candle, but I truly believe for all intents and purposes, that he is genuinely trying. I'm not saying he's a good person- But I also have to remind myself he's not a person, and shouldn't be held to our standards. The fact he's even shown an interest, even if it's on a whim, to change, is quite-"

Don't say endearing.

Don't say admirable.

"Unusual. And not something I can easily overlook."

Uma groans as she drags a hand down her face, "fine. Deez needs space. Boys, find something productive to do that isn't in the forge.

"But-" Gil stops short at Uma's glare. "Yes, Captain." He drops his head and kicks at nothing.

"It's just until she needs you." Uma rubs his arm before she turns, "you are coming with me."

"As you wish, Captain." She nods as she turns and turns to Harry with an appreciative smile, "we still need fish to breed."

Harry presses close, "on it, love." he whispers against her hair before he turns, "be ah comin' on then, Sweet Boy. Ya be some kin' o' fish whisperer."

"Yeah," Gil sighs as he looks away from the stairs leading to the forge. "I'm comin'."

She holds her breath until the boys disappear before she turns to Uma, "how may I help, my Captain?"

"We are going to go talk to the damn god lurking in my cove." Uma hooks their arms together before she starts walking, "and please be careful with him. I know ya got a good head an' heart, but things aren't always going to work in your favor with him."

"I barely believe they're working in my favor now."

"She woke up."

Before she can stop it, a smile tugs at her lips.

It was more grace than she was anticipating-

And she was only too happy to take it.

"Seriously, all of 'em except Guyliner, huh?" Hades' nose crinkles with distaste.

"Indeed. Though my original point was more of the fascinating magical relationship your daughter and Gil have."

"Ugh." Hades grunts, "gross."

"Are you speaking to the nature of how Gil is able to alter items with his intentions while working with young Deez?"

"No, I'm referring to my Kitten's relationship with Lover boy. Period."

Yensid chuckles, "oh, the joy of seeing a child grow up and find people that make them happy."

Hades frowns, "I should feel joy? At that gorilla being handsy with my daughter?"

"Gil is a very bright young man with many desirable qualities. Hard-working. Patient. Caring. And he challenges Deez in ways that help her grow and discover herself more every day."

Hades shudders, "Ew. Can we not use the phrase 'discover' like that? I don't want to-" He shudders again. "Just. Ew. And don't."

"Now, Lord Hades, discovery is the spice of life. And is a valid term to use for more than just physical attraction."

Hades covers his ears, "don't say it," he hisses, "I don't want to- Me damn it."

"I felt the same way when my daughter brought her first boy home, if that helps." Yensid chuckles, "though her first boyfriend was a rapscallion with more blood thirst than sense."

"Because-"

"Why the fuck do you care what she does with who?" Uma demands as she cocks her hip and places her hand on it before the god can finish.

"Momma Squid, was wondering when you were gonna dive into the conversation."

"I'm sure you were." She glares, "now, what's this about wanting to see my Baby Girl?"

Hades stands up straighter, "well, I want to see her."

"You saw her," she takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly before she continues in a milder tone, "also, thank you for waking her up."

Hades lets out an exaggerated sigh as he pinches his nose, "talk to her. I want to talk to her. There, I said it, happy?"

"No." She scowls, "to hearing it, and ta it happenin'."

Faustina clears her throat, "perhaps you should elaborate the why, my Lord."

She slowly turns to glare at Faustina.

Her Lord?

Her eye twitches.

Hades grimaces as he looks around, "in front of-"

"Yes." Faustina states firmly as she juts her hip and crosses her arms.

"Ugh, fine." Hades grumbles as he crosses his arms over his chest, "not like I'm over here revealing weaknesses or anything special like that."

"Everything that could hurt you is already in my Captain's disposal, my Lord. From Mim's dagger, to your daughter's loyalty, and if I may boldly add, the book that allows us to converse."

Hades glares over at Yensid.

"I would lay down my life to protect those gathered here. So yes, Lord Hades, if Uma were to order me to put up a defense against you, I would die trying."

"Don't tell her that!"

She whips her head at the whiny cry.

"Ya know, Arachne, I hate it when you're right. But, I hate it even more when you're more right that you know."

Faustina tilts her head, "fallacy, you love when I'm right, you just hate when you are wrong, my Lord."

Hades sucks his teeth, "annnnnnnnnnnnnyways." He clears his throat, "fine." He grumbles, "if it helps for Momma Squid to know-" he grimaces before he continues as if every word was painful, "I. Am. Worried."

She blinks before his words fully sink in before she scoffs, "you're worried?"

"I uh," Hades rubs the back of his neck, "a long time ago, I was attacked by a witch. Well, a sorceress. I was freezing. It nearly killed me. Heroics happened. It was awful. The end." Hades frowns at Faustina, "what? Ugh, fine. Hecate drained my divinity, my life source. I'm worried Mim may have done the same to my Kitten."

She scowls, "oh, so this is about her getting your stupid cuffs off. You're worried she won't have the power to try again."

"Seriously?" Hades claws at his face, "I bear my soul like this, and you still-"

"Sincerity and authenticity go a long way in creating trust, my Lord, as uncomfortable as it might be to be vulnerable - It might serve you well in this situation."

"Well, then what the fuck? I am super uncomfortable and not wanting to have this conversation, and yet-" he gestures wildly in her direction.

"What? Isn't that what you've always told me you're interested in? That I shouldn't doubt your intentions because you always want the same thing? That in this instance, we should both want you free because of a promise you made?"

Hades groans as his head falls back, "fucking hags."

"Excuse me!"

While she knew there was no love lost between her and her uncle, calling her a hag? Really?

"Wait-" Hades whips his head towards her and holds up his hands so quickly it startles her, and much to her disgust, makes her jump back.

Damn it.

She eyes his one flaming blue hand.

"Fuck, sorry, that-" Hades shakes his hand and pats it until the flames vanish, "look. It's only been a few days, okay, it still catches me off guard. Sorry. Wasn't trying to scare anyone."

Doubtful.

Fucking asshole.

"I wasn't scared." She glares defiantly.

"Good, not what I wanted." Hades smiles awkwardly as he holds his hands out again, "also, not calling you a hag. Fucking Fates, now there's some fucking hags."

"Should you really be cursing those that are in charge of fate?"

"Ehhh," Hades rocks his hand back and forth, "I mean, golden thread. Also, they know everything, so they already know what I'm thinking. Kinda fucked no matter what."

"Careful, my Lord, yours is not the only thread to mind."

Hades pulls his hand back, but pauses before he frowns and nods, "ya know. Fair. Fair point Arachne. Still, they already know, because they fucking know everything. It's a vicious cycle. Trust me, not worth the headache."

She narrows her eyes, the whole exchange was setting her teeth on edge.

Was Faustina really falling for this crap? It was embarrassing.

Like Senior would give a shit if one of their threads got snipped-

Well, maybe a shit.

But more out of fear of boredom.

Her eye twitches.

Entertainment.

That's what it always boiled down to.

"You know that we're all risking our fucking lives here," she finally snaps, "that what's entertaining to you is literally life or fucking death for us, right?"

Hades turns, fully facing her for the first time since she'd entered the room.

"Look, I get that I'm an asshole. A schmuck. A jerk. A bully. I'm a lot of bad things. Not trying to change your mind on that. But," Hades takes a half step towards her, "yes. I do. For the first time since I've been stuck on this rock, I realize that what I have been finding entertaining is actually just disgusting child endangerment."

This time when she steps back it's out of shock.

His eyes-

He sounded so-

"Cut the shit," she scowls, "this isn't a joke."

"Yep, deserve that. I get it. But, I ain't joking. My Kitten almost died. Could still die, and if that's what's going on with her, then the rest of you-" Hades shivers, "the others, I'm still, haunted."

She frowns as she studies him before she turns to Faustina only to find the other girl looking at the god with-

Nope.

Her Beauty Girl was not feeling sympathy for this prick.

She turns to find Yensid stroking his beard pensively.

But she couldn't tell if he was thinking well of the god, or attempting to detect lies.

Maybe even see if they could use the god's obvious game to their advantage.

Which was hopefully what Faustina was doing.

"A token of good faith would probably be appreciated on my Captain's account." Faustina chimes, like music to her ears.

Trust her Beauty Girl to-

Oh.

She turns to Faustina curiously.

How often was the other girl looking for the advantage?

"Momma Sq-" Hades holds a hand in front of himself, "Captain Uma, may I please remain in your territory until my daughter is ready to speak with me? I will not approach her, or interfere in the day to day of this cove, camp, base… Uh, thing, I won't bother it."

"But you could help it." Faustina adds offhandedly, "we don't know when Stargazer will be back to herself, and we could use more space."

"Yes! That! I could help make more rooms here. I mean, Kitten pretty much already has it all mapped out, I just have to follow what she's already started. Even I can't fuck that up."

"I also have a few additions in mind," Faustina continues.

"With the Captain's permission." Hades gestures, deferring to her.

Which felt weird.

Like one part satisfying, one part concerningly terrifying.

"Of course," Faustina turns to her, "I understand your reservations, my Captain, the Lord of Death has given you no grounds to trust him." She holds up her hand when Hades tries to interrupt her, "but he is a powerful ally in our cause, and for all intents and purposes came to you, not you to him."

"It's just until she's ready to talk," Hades adds quietly, "then I'll get out of your hair and start doing my own work on this shithole."

She eyes Hades before her eyes trail to Faustina then finally land on Yensid.

She hated interrupting him from his musings but-

"Yensid? I already know Faustina's thoughts-"

Yensid slowly nods his head once before he turns to her, "with your permission, Captain, I would like to take responsibility for Hades, if you choose to allow him to stay."

So he thought it was a good idea too.

Great.

She sighs.

"I mean, if you're looking for a babysitter to make sure I stay out of trouble," Hades shrugs before gesturing grandly towards Yensid, "Beardy here is the way to go. He has the kind of magic that can seriously put a hurt on."

"I need to talk to Beam before I agree to any of this crap."

"Understood Captain. Would you like for me to keep the Lord of Death company until you return?"

"I would appreciate it."

"Of course, Captain."

"I'll have you know, Plato and Socrates both have claimed I was great company." Hades grins before his face turns thoughtful, "but I also have a few questions, if you don't mind continuing the earlier conversation."

"I also found it quite enlightening."

She shakes her head as she walks away.

Maybe Beam would put his foot down about this request.

Then again-

She sighs.

Damn it.

The fucking god was going to get his way. Again.

Because who in their right mind would say no to someone who could kill you just as easily as look at you.

And since she said right mind, T and Faustina didn't count.

Gil was going to kill her.

This was going nowhere.

Deez wipes the back of her hand across her face as she hiccups.

Tears weren't going to fix anything.

And so far, the only thing crying had done was make her hurt more.

She takes a deep breath before she pushes herself up and looks around, startling when she finds the small boy standing at the entrance with his back to her.

When had he joined her?

And… Was he holding a dagger?

She blinks before she clears her throat.

Daniel turns curiously.

"Little Demon, right?"

He grins as he nods, clearly proud of the nickname.

"I'm Deez," she smiles as she waves, "but I guess you already know that."

He nods and points to the stairs before pointing to her.

She tilts her head to the side, "not much of a talker?"

He shakes his head.

"That's okay," she grimaces as she awkwardly pushes herself to her feet, "I'm more of a writer myself."

Daniel's brow furrows as he digs through his pockets before he pulls out a tin. He places the dagger down before he points to her and then the ground.

"I'm fine, it's just my first time being hurt is all."

Father, she hoped that's what this was. If things hurt this bad every time she was hurt, she wasn't going to be able to help at all.

Not with her family twitching at every gasp, wince, or grunt.

He purses his lips as he looks at her with a face that screamed 'and?", before he points to the ground.

She snorts, but in the attempt to cover her mouth, it turns into a pained yelp.

T gave her that face all the time.

Daniel tilts his head, looking for all the world unimpressed as he pointedly points at the ground again.

She sighs, "it was hard enough to stand up the first time."

He takes a comically deep breath before he points to her hands and stomach, then down the stairs. He looks up at her before dragging a single fingertip down his face with a trembling bottom lip, before he stops and rolls his eyes with a point to the ground.

"Get over myself, huh?" She sighs as she looks to the stairs, "I don't want to make them upset, though." She bites her lip before giving up. "You win. Father, you're just like T."

The grin that spreads over Daniel's lips was like déjà vu. Down to the mischievously gleeful spark in his eyes.

"Be careful you aren't too proud of that around Uma and the others." She chuckles as she slowly sits.

The boy snorts before he mimics a clock moving backwards.

"Too late?"

He nods with a grin and settles to his knees before he pulls the too large shirt up enough to give him access to her stomach.

"Fair enough." She chuckles sadly, "not sure I want to see my insides right now."

She smiles when the boy pats her head.

This kid was adorable. Adorable and fierce.

Her brow furrows when she remembers this adorable kid was treating her injuries.

His T no nonsense impatience was softened with a Faustina touch.

Deft.

He was so quick with the bandages and the ointment.

"Did T and Faustina teach you this? How to take care of people when they're hurt?"

Well, that was silly.

A heavy sigh of relief passes her lips as the pain disappears with one last cold, oily swipe of a tiny hand.

No wonder T swore by that shit.

She gasps for air, realizing for the first time how shallow her breathing had been.

Daniel's impish face materializes as he tugs her shirt back into place, before he takes one of her hands and meticulously begins unwrapping the bandages with a look of pure concentration.

As if he were visually demanding the bandages obey, or they'd regret it.

It was exactly the way Faustina always worked.

She smiles as she watches him, but when he frees her hand, she coughs, nearly choking in surprise.

Daniel pauses as he looks up with her in concern.

She carefully pulls her hand away, scrutinizing the strange looking skin.

It wasn't angry and red, though it still hurt if she moved too fast or tried to make a fist.

No. What had her struggling were the scars.

She'd seen burn scars before; T and Faustina were riddled with them.

The pain of trying to pull the bindings from her father's wrists was clearly etched on her skin.

When she looks up she finds that Daniel was already unwrapping her other hand, letting her have her moment.

She flexes her fingers, "think it's okay to leave the wraps off?"

Daniel looks from her to her hands to her again, his head wavering back and forth before he grins and gives her a thumbs up.

"Thanks."

Daniel nods as he steps back

Both of her hands were rough. It was strange to feel.

"So, that question I asked before. Did Faustina teach you how to help people?"

Daniel's eyes drop as he looks away towards the sea and shakes his head.

"Parents?"

He turns back to her and nods solemnly.

So out of place on a child.

It made her chest ache.

"So you had parents that taught you how to help people. That's pretty wicked. Though, since you're here now, I'm also sorry."

Daniel's face shifts several times, his eyes reflecting deep, raw emotions.

Without thinking about it, she pulls him into a hug.

Daniel curls around her, burrowing his face in her shoulder.

"I'd love to hear more about them. I write stories about people. Stories about the good people stuck here on the Isle."

Daniel pulls back a moment later, wiping the tears from his eyes as he looks at her. He points to the sky before he shrugs. Then he points to his eye and makes a T with his fingers before tapping the top of his head with a hand. He grins as he points to her, and then down the stairs.

"I got T, but who is the tapping on the head?"

Daniel snorts as he points to the abandoned tin.

"Oh, Faustina."

Tapping his head with his hand?

She watches as he does it again.

His fingers were pressed together, like a bird pecking-

Oh!

"Got it. Yeah, that makes sense. Faustina is very comforting."

He nods and studies her for a moment, points to her, and then mimics writing.

"That's me. I love writing."

He points to himself and grins.

"Can you read?"

Daniel purses his lips, and mimics writing again.

"Right. That was silly." She grins before she takes a deep breath and looks around, "want to write with me?"

His eyes brighten as he nods his head.

"I should probably let the others know I'm okay, but I really think writing would help."

Daniel stands and holds out his hands as he looks around.

She carefully pushes herself to her feet, acutely aware of the tenderness in her hands, though thankfully the pain was completely manageable. "I keep it hidden from T, he thinks he's a critic and tries to censor what I write about him."

Daniel chuckles as he holds up his fingers in a 't' again.

"T is hilarious, but don't tell anyone else."

Daniel nods emphatically before he zips his lips and tosses the key.

Wherever this little demon came from, she was grateful. And excited to learn more about him.

Daniel scrambles to scoop up the ointment and dagger before he runs to the entrance and bounces impatiently.

"Come on, a real walk will probably feel good. And then we can write in peace."

He smiles brightly with a nod before he grasps the dagger in front of his chest, holding it protectively.

She had no doubt this kid would be able to handle almost anything that came at them.

He was so like T in that way it was unnerving.

But, that didn't stop how adorable it was to follow him as he looked around every corner, scouting for danger.

Her little hero.

Yo, s'up bitches,

What'd ya think of this chapter?

Roller coaster right?

How naive are T and Faustina really? Trusting the god to the extent they do-

No wonder, they're driving their family crazy with concern.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnyways, anyone surprised by Faustina's stance on D's need to have time to figure shit out?

She's certainly grown some balls, standing up to her family like that…

And Uma's convo with Senior?

Par for the course, or insightful?

Aww, D and Daniel's first real 'convo'

Wasn't it just fluffy as fuck?

Which is ironic since D'z is dealing with some seriously heavy shit…

Much love and shit

-Twisted